The defending champions are still contention in Qatar after a tense 2-1 win
Harry Kane missed a late penalty for England as defending champions France earned a 2-1 victory to move into the World Cup semifinals in Qatar.
England captain Kane blazed his spot kick high over the bar of Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris’ goal in the 84th minute of the match, spurning a chance for England to equalize.
Aurelien Tchouameni had given France the lead in the 17th minute with a superb strike from long range, before Kane canceled that out from the penalty spot ten minutes into the second half.
All-time French top scorer Olivier Giroud put his team in front again with a header in the 78th minute.
But there was time for more drama as Kane was unable to convert his second spot kick of the night, firing the ball over the bar at the Al Bayt Stadium – and sending England’s World Cup hopes with it.
Didier Deschamps’ French team set up a semifinal on Wednesday against World Cup surprise package Morocco, after the Africans shocked Portugal earlier on Saturday.
For England, it was more heartache as their 56-year wait for a major trophy continues.
MORE TO FOLLOW
December 11, 2022 at 02:30AM
RT